USDA Forest Service

Wildland Firefighter

May - August 2019 • Superior, MT

What I liked

Location. Job is fun.

What I wish was different

N/A

Advice

It was dope.

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Range Management

May 2018 • Ephraim, UT

What I liked

I love being in the mountains and working

What I wish was different

Wish I would have learned more clerical things

Advice

Ask lots of questions

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Forestry Technician

May - August 2019 • Blairsden Graeagle, CA

What I liked

I liked the opportunity to work outdoors and see a lot of new country. A great aspect of the job was the physical requirements. Hiking, lifting, and running helped me get both physically and mentally stronger. The men and women I worked with all had a common goal to help protect and preserve our wild lands and a shared love for adventure and the outdoors.

What I wish was different

I truly wish I started working for the forest service sooner. Before I applied for this job and took the necessary training courses I worked construction. Construction isn’t nearly as fulfilling as wild land firefighting.

Advice

If you enjoy nature and don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty, this is a great job to look into. The people you meet and work with along the way are incredible and is a great opportunity to see some beautiful country.

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Wildland Firefighter

May - August 2019 • Monte Vista, CO

What I liked

The people you work with, and the opportunities to go fight fire around the country.

What I wish was different

Longer season.

Advice

Don't be afraid to apply to an area you have never been before.

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Information Research Intern

September 2019 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

Very informational experience with amazing people. Learned a lot of new information on the Forest Service and programs within.

What I wish was different

N/A

Advice

Work with what most interests you. I got an internship on a very interesting project that has been fun and made me love working on it.

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Timber Crew Member

May - August 2018 • Ephraim, UT

What I liked

I liked working in the mountains and learning how to run chainsaws and the comradery of the other members!

What I wish was different

I wish that we could have came up with better game plans!

Advice

It's a great opportunity and you can make some seriously good money working here! If your trying to save up for college this is a great option!

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Forestry Aide

May - August 2019 • Walla Walla, WA

What I liked

Opportunities to get paid training; camaraderie; being outdoors 90% of the time and learning a new trade while also having opportunities to explore other careers within the ranger district.

What I wish was different

Advice

Be prepared to hike tough terrain. Ask questions, even if you may seem annoying at first everyone will appreciate it if you start to grasp things faster!

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Forest Technician

May - August 2019 • Ephraim, UT

What I liked

I loved the actual work I was doing. Hard physical labor knowing I was making a difference.

What I wish was different

The leadership.

Advice

Prepare beforehand, ask questions and learn by example.

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Wildland Firefighter

May - August 2019 • Libby, MT

What I liked

I love the atmosphere and the people I work with

What I wish was different

I wish we had had a better fire season

Advice

It is the best way to help pay for college. If you save up over the summer you can almost pay your tuition for the year

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Forestry Aide

May 2017 • Baker City, OR

What I liked

What I enjoyed most of this experience was the time spent among nature and building relationships with crew members. This job has been unlike any other when comparing comraderie aspects, for I have made some of my closest friends while working here.

What I wish was different

It’s difficult to say, but one thing that I wish had been different about this job is the process of hiring and rehirement. Difficulties with HR is almost inevitable when summer employment begins with the rush of so many new employees. However, the system in place is horrible in regards to responding to employees, often leaving customers on hold for well over an hour. I have personally experienced this, and have even lost two weeks worth of pay due to complications.

Advice

One piece of advice I could give to anyone seeking employment here would to be prepared to spend a lot time outdoors. This includes long, unpredictable, hours as well as days away from home and a shower.

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Botany technician

June - August 2019 • Alturas, CA

What I liked

I really enjoyed learning a wide variety of plants and staying active; we hiked about 6-10 miles a day.

What I wish was different

Everything was great there. The people, job, and environment was very welcoming. I just wish my internship was closer to home.

Advice

Be open to new experiences and don’t be afraid to try something out of your comfort zone, it could turn out to be one of the best summers!

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Civil Engineering Intern

May 2018 • Mccall, ID

What I liked

Working in McCall all summer with other engineers. Most days were spent in the field rather than office.

What I wish was different

Nothing.

Advice

If you ever get an opportunity to work for the Forest Service, do it.

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Forestry Technician

May - August 2019 • Salt Lake City, UT

What I liked

The people, the work, learning new skills, being part of a crew, being in the mountains every day.

What I wish was different

I wish I lived closer so I could take more overtime opportunities to learn and grow doing work that was different from the normal. Many overtime opportunities involved helping other parts of the forest service, such as recreation, whereas my area was trails and wilderness.

Advice

Be prepared to work hard and learn a lot, but know that there are people willing to teach you and answer any questions you have. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions or double check practices/standards even if you think you know them. Supervisors will appreciate your willingness to learn what's needed to do the job right.

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Forestry Technician

May - August 2019 • Springerville, AZ

What I liked

Great location and very good group of coworkers.

What I wish was different

I wish I could have worked there longer.

Advice

Need to be in shape for this job.

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Forestry Technician

May - August 2019 • Tijeras, NM

What I liked

Surveying and building trails, daily projects that took us into the field, getting to know crewmates who had additional experience in the FS

What I wish was different

Looking for postings closer to home until I finish school.

Advice

Use opportunities for on the job training, everything from wilderness first aid to defensive driving to chainsaw work

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Recreation Technician

June - August 2019 • Laona, WI

What I liked

I learned many new skills and found my possible career! I learned how to manage and tend campgrounds, run chainsaws, talk to the public better, and learned how to quickly adapt to new issues at a split second.

What I wish was different

Wish I would have gotten more independent work, I wasn't on my own very much, but I would have liked to have taken more control.

Advice

It was an eyeopening experience, and I didn't think I would enjoy it in the beginning. I quickly learned to love the position and those I worked with.

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